Online Life
Online Harassment
Harassment is nothing new—but the internet has given it new forms and reach. In this video, you’ll follow a real-world scenario as online harassment escalates from rude comments to serious threats. You'll learn how to recognize harmful behavior, protect yourself, and take action. Whether it’s happening to you or someone you know, this explainer offers practical steps to help stay safe, informed, and in control.
What's About
Harassment has existed long before the internet, but online spaces have created new ways for it to happen—and to escalate. What might begin as a rude reply in a discussion forum can grow into a campaign of personal attacks, threats, and real-world harm.
This video follows the story of someone who becomes the target of online harassment. It begins with dismissive or hostile replies in an online group, but quickly evolves into more targeted attacks: name-calling, spreading false quotes, sharing manipulated images, and eventually, personal threats and doxing (publishing private information).
Through this story, the video shows how harassment often escalates and becomes serious—and why it’s so important to recognize the signs early. It also outlines the steps victims can take, such as saving messages, alerting moderators, involving law enforcement, and seeking support.
Most importantly, it reminds viewers that online harassment isn’t just part of being online—it’s harmful behavior that should never be ignored. And with the right steps, it can be addressed and reported.
This video follows the story of someone who becomes the target of online harassment. It begins with dismissive or hostile replies in an online group, but quickly evolves into more targeted attacks: name-calling, spreading false quotes, sharing manipulated images, and eventually, personal threats and doxing (publishing private information).
Through this story, the video shows how harassment often escalates and becomes serious—and why it’s so important to recognize the signs early. It also outlines the steps victims can take, such as saving messages, alerting moderators, involving law enforcement, and seeking support.
Most importantly, it reminds viewers that online harassment isn’t just part of being online—it’s harmful behavior that should never be ignored. And with the right steps, it can be addressed and reported.
What it Matters
Online harassment can cause deep emotional and even real-world harm. This video helps learners recognize what harassment looks like as it escalates, and offers clear actions to take if it happens. By sharing a relatable, step-by-step scenario, it empowers learners to protect themselves, support others, and understand that no one has to face online harassment alone.
By the end of this video, you’ll be able to:
- Identify behaviors that qualify as online harassment.
- Recognize the common tactics that harassers use as a situation escalates.
- Understand why saving harassing messages is important for evidence.
- Know what steps to take when facing harassment, including who to contact.
- Feel more prepared to support yourself or others in situations involving online abuse.
By the end of this video, you’ll be able to:
- Identify behaviors that qualify as online harassment.
- Recognize the common tactics that harassers use as a situation escalates.
- Understand why saving harassing messages is important for evidence.
- Know what steps to take when facing harassment, including who to contact.
- Feel more prepared to support yourself or others in situations involving online abuse.
Standards Aligned
- ISTE Standard: Digital Citizen 2b
- ACRL Info Literacy Frame: Information Has Value
Part o the course: Stay Safe
Stay one step ahead of online threats. This course unpacks the real risks of modern internet use and gives you tools to stay safe and secure.
View course